16 strange Christmas traditions from around the world

December 11, 2013 |Annika Toernqvist

In keeping with our own holiday tradition, we're revisiting some of the most unique Christmas customs from around the world. If gingerbread houses and Santa Claus aren't your thing, consider Greenland's pungent Kiviak, the Christmas 'crapper' or any of these other interesting traditions.

Photo taken by Christian Gidl f

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Sweden: Christmas Straw Goats

Christmas goats have a big role in Swedish Christmas celebrations from small ornaments to gigantic goats like this one in the city of Gavle that is set up every year in December. The big Gavle goat is famous for being vandalized or burnt down frequently. Since 1966, the Straw Goat has survived until Christmas Day only 13 times. The arsonists succeeded in 2012, burning the goat to the ground on December 12. This year, you can follow the Goat's Twitter page for updates on its "struggle to survive."

Photo taken by Christian Gidl f

10of17

Sweden: Christmas Straw Goats

Christmas goats have a big role in Swedish Christmas celebrations from small ornaments to gigantic goats like this one in the city of Gavle that is set up every year in December. The big Gavle goat is famous for being vandalized or burnt down frequently. Since 1966, the Straw Goat has survived until Christmas Day only 13 times. The arsonists succeeded in 2012, burning the goat to the ground on December 12. This year, you can follow the Goat's Twitter page for updates on its "struggle to survive."